Making a Difference at Home and Around the World

Making a Difference at Home and Around the World

Tree Of Hope

About the Tree

For the past 25 years the Tree of Hope, a focal point in the Landmark District, has been a bright symbol of inspiration and hope to our community. While the Tree of Hope was originally meant to be a single event, it has been lit every year since 1997 and seen its share of evolution.

The tree now stands over 120 feet tall and has approximately 25,000 LED energy efficient bulbs. The Tree of Hope has become a community tradition in Kelowna, and is attended by thousands of people each and every year. The magic of the Tree of Hope is that it is has become an iconic symbol for good. Not only does it light up our city with holiday spirit, it has also become a beacon for philanthropy and symbolizes Kelowna as a community known for its kindness and charitable giving.

In partnership with the tenants of Landmark District and TD Canada Trust, the Tree of Hope donates funds each year to local charitable organizations, shedding light on issues and organizations that need our collective attention. To date, millions of dollars have been donated to charities across Canada!

 

 

Visit the Tree

Located at the Tree of Hope Plaza at Landmark 7!

1700 Dickson Avenue - in the heart of Landmark District.

The Tree of Hope is lit from November 25th, 2021 through to January 2nd, 2022. 

Raising Hope

The Tree of Hope is more than just a holiday symbol. It is also an opportunity to usher in a season of compassion, generosity, and gratitude, all while educating ourselves on issues that face our community and charities that exist to address them. 

Each year, the Tree of Hope seeks not only light up our community with hope and holiday spirit, but also shed light on a complex social issue facing our community. In partnership with the Landmark District, TD Canada Trust, and the Stober Foundation, RAISING HOPE 2022 seeks to highlight, address, and elevate the conversation of FAMILY and COMMUNITY

We are pleased to announce that the 2022 co-recipients of the Tree of Hope funding are;

1. The YMCA of the Southern Interior

2. BGC Okanagan

These incredible organizations, along with the Stober Foundation and TD Canada Trust, have collaboratively undertaken a $1,000,000 capital fundraising campaign to better help support families within our community throughout their quality work and programming. 

The History of the Tree

For the past 25 years, the Tree of HOPE, a focal point in the Landmark District, has been a bright symbol of inspiration and hope to our community. However, Kelowna residents are likely unaware of the unique story of how the tree came to be!

It all started with a 160-foot construction crane standing idle next to the completed shell of the Landmark 2 Tower in 1997. “What if we could dangle a giant Christmas tree from the lifting hook of the crane?”, Al Stober wondered. Inspired, he drew a little sketch on a napkin at a local restaurant. He showed the drawing to his sons (Ken and Mark) and before they left the restaurant a plan was in place. By early December that year, the tree was finished, casting its glorious radiance across the city - a glowing reminder of the spirit of the Christmas season. 

The tree now stands over 120 feet tall and has approximately 25,000 LED energy efficient bulbs. Over the years, the Tree of Hope has become a community tradition in Kelowna, attended by thousands of people each and every year. The magic of the Tree of Hope is that it is has become an iconic symbol for good. Not only does it light up our city with holiday spirit, it has also become a beacon for philanthropy and symbolizes Kelowna as a community known for its kindness and charitable giving.

Our family never would have believed, that back in 1997 that hanging a Christmas tree from the top of the crane would become an annual event celebrating Hope in our community. But knowing how this community rallies behind good, it's not surprise this Tree continues to be so meaningful to so many!

To date, over $1,000,000 has been donated to charities within our community!

Past Recipients


The Next Generation of Family Philanthropy


Our family foundation was created to help those in need. We have been tremendously blessed to be in  the graceful position to help others. As a family, we need to come together and adapt in order to provide support and opportunities for change.  In doing so, we can help others become whole, better their circumstances, their lives, and ultimately the lives of so many others through their success. Let us steward with grace, effectively and with great impact.

- Sandra Stober, Foundation Co-Founder

 

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